Governor Wrong: Growth Burden Not Solely On Local Governments

April 6, 1989

When Gov. Bob Martinez leaves office, perhaps he should apply for a job as the state`s revisionist historian. His ``State of the State`` message Tuesday shows a distinct lack of historical understanding of the dynamics of growth in Florida. And his deficiency poses a danger for efforts to properly manage future growth.

``We should ensure that individual taxpayers within a particular city or county bear an equitable tax burden, and we can make sure taxpayers in one part of the state aren`t made to subsidize the runaway growth in another part of the state,`` Martinez said.

The truth of the matter is that the hot spots of growth have been the state`s economic gold mines. Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Pinellas and other rapidly growing areas have made far greater per capita contributions to the state`s money pot than have areas of moderate or no growth. In fact, stagnant or slowly growing areas have been subsidized for many years by the urban growth engines because they are unable to raise enough tax revenues to contribute a fair share to statewide programs such as schools, roads and social services.

While attempting to place the blame for runaway growth solely on counties and cities, Martinez also fails to recognize that state government was for a long time an enthusiastic partner in the ``bigger-is-better`` approach to building Florida`s future.

While the state wisely has replaced its enthusiasm for volatile growth with new restraint through growth management laws, Florida government -- and the governor -- still play essential roles in encouraging growth.

In his comments to the Legislature, Martinez announced he will seek a $3.1 million increase in the tourism advertising budget, more funds to attract high-technology industry to the state and $10 million as seed money for Spaceport Florida, a commercial space industry center.

Growth takes money, and Martinez is wrong to say the financial burden should be carried by local governments alone. Notwithstanding the governor`s revisionist version of Florida history, reasonable, manageable growth is a shared goal and financial responsibility of the state, counties and cities.